Education: Putting pupils and learners
first
We achieve more together
Schools involved in the Leading Edge programme are helping others
to address educational challenges.
Cramlington Community High School, in Northumberland, a 1600
specialist science college for 13-18 year olds has been designated a
'leading edge' school for its imaginative approach to spreading
effective practice.
The school has its own research team which looks at what works
well here and abroad. Its resources are made available across the
town through an Intranet service. Lessons are structured to help
pupils remember what they learn and to develop independent
learning.
"We base our lessons on current best practice",
explains Derek Wise, the school's head teacher. "We use multi-media
presentations and take account that students learn in different
ways. Independent learning and group work help our students see
education as a process of thinking through problems. These skills
will be crucial at university and in the workplace."
Cramlington is particularly strong in its use of computers. A
programme is being developed in partnership with the Gatsby
Charitable Foundation, a grant-making charitable trust which
supports many education projects, to produce lessons plans which use
information and communications technology and are equally effective
for all students.
As a 'leading edge' school Cramlington will
work in partnership with other schools. It has already organised
annual conferences for other teachers on learning techniques and
ICT. Cramlington has been praised by Ofsted as 'strikingly
successful' and for its 'bold and innovative focus on teaching and
learning'. Over 70% of students achieve at least five good GCSE
passes.
Ercall Wood Technology College, in Telford,
Shropshire not only ensures that its students get good exam results
and a rich curriculum, it has developed a strong reputation for its
work on special educational needs. "I think that's one reason why
we've been designated as a 'leading edge' school" says Mr Graham
Harkness, Ercall Wood's headteacher. "We have won particular praise
for our work with dyslexic students. We are funded to work with 20
statemented students per year and employ 22 teaching assistants to
work in partnership with them."
But it is the school's work with new technology and local
business that has come in for most praise. The school believes in
fully preparing young people for adulthood, so much GCSE coursework
is related to real life tasks,and local business mentors work with
students.
GCSE results are above the national average, and continue to
improve. When the school's results at 14 and 16 are compared with
the student intake, Ercall Wood features among the top schools for
adding value in the country.
As 'leading edge' schools both
Ercall Wood and Cramlington will lead partnerships with others who
can improve their own standards by learning from their success. Each
partnership receives £60,000 a year to help disseminate good
practice. | 
